Other great options include Privet and Wax Myrtle, both of which grow 2 to 5 feet per year, depending on the conditions. For smaller spaces, Emerald Green Arborvitae is a reliable choice, offering dense foliage and low maintenance with 1–2 feet of yearly growth.
For added charm, consider flowering varieties like Forsythia or Rose of Sharon. These not only offer visual coverage but also bring vibrant seasonal blooms. Most of these shrubs are adaptable to various soils and climates, requiring minimal upkeep once established. Whether you desire privacy, greenery, or a burst of color, these fast-growing plants offer a beautiful and practical way to transform your yard.
1. Arborvitae (Thuja)
Arborvitae is a fast-growing evergreen that adds 1 to 3 feet of growth every year. It’s widely used for creating tall, dense privacy screens. This tree’s conical shape and lush green foliage make it a beautiful addition to any landscape.
It adapts well to various soil types and requires little maintenance. Planting Arborvitae in rows creates a stunning, uniform hedge. Regular trimming keeps it neat and promotes healthy growth. Its year-round greenery ensures consistent privacy and a vibrant look. Arborvitae is a reliable choice for lining property edges or defining outdoor spaces.
2. Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress is one of the fastest-growing privacy trees, gaining up to 4 feet annually. Its soft, feathery foliage forms a graceful, dense barrier. This tree thrives in various climates, making it ideal for large open spaces that need quick coverage.
Its upright growth pattern keeps it looking tidy and elegant. Minimal care is needed to maintain its beauty. Leyland Cypress instantly transforms your yard, creating a secluded and peaceful retreat.
3. Emerald Green Arborvitae
Emerald Green Arborvitae grows steadily at 1 to 2 feet annually, making it perfect for smaller spaces. This compact evergreen creates a dense, vibrant privacy wall that reduces noise. Its slim profile fits neatly in tight areas.
The foliage remains lush and green throughout the year, requiring minimal maintenance. With regular pruning, it maintains a clean and polished look. This shrub is a reliable choice for creating a natural boundary in residential settings.
4. Privet (Ligustrum)
Privet proliferates, adding 2 to 3 feet annually, forming dense, lush foliage. It’s a top choice for hedges and privacy screens. Hardy and adaptable, Privet thrives in a wide range of climates and soils. It responds well to pruning, allowing you to shape it into formal hedges or let it grow naturally. Privet is a low-maintenance plant, making it a popular choice for busy homeowners. Its resilience and classic look add timeless appeal to any garden or yard.
5. Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
Wax Myrtle is an exceptionally fast grower, adding 3 to 5 feet annually. Its aromatic, waxy foliage makes it a standout shrub. It’s perfect for coastal areas, as it tolerates salty air and poor soil. Wax Myrtle’s dense growth creates an effective privacy screen while adding natural beauty to your yard. This evergreen shrub is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it ideal for achieving fast results with minimal effort. Its natural fragrance also enhances outdoor spaces.
6. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)
Japanese Holly grows 1 to 2 feet per year and offers dense, glossy, green leaves. Its compact size and uniform growth make it an excellent choice for hedges or borders. This evergreen shrub thrives in a wide range of soils and requires minimal upkeep. Thanks to its similar appearance, it’s often used as a substitute for boxwood. Japanese Holly provides year-round greenery, adding structure and beauty to gardens.
7. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
Cherry Laurel proliferates, adding 1 to 3 feet per year. It’s admired for its glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers that bloom in spring. This fast-growing shrub forms dense hedges, making it ideal for privacy. Cherry Laurel thrives in shaded areas and adapts well to pruning. Its elegance and low-maintenance nature make it a great addition to any garden or property line.
8. Boxwood (Buxus)
Boxwood grows slowly but steadily, making it an ideal choice for sculpting into various shapes and forms. Its dense, evergreen foliage adds structure and sophistication to landscapes. A favorite for formal gardens, it’s perfect for borders, hedges, and topiaries. Boxwood thrives in most conditions with minimal care. Its versatility and timeless appeal make it a staple in garden design. Whether trimmed or left natural, it creates a polished and elegant look.
9. False Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera)
False Cypress grows 1 to 2 feet annually and showcases soft, feathery foliage. This evergreen shrub adds texture and depth to gardens. Its dense growth makes it an excellent choice for privacy screens or windbreaks.
False Cypress is low-maintenance and adapts well to different soil types. Its unique foliage makes it stand out in any garden and is perfect for creating a calming, natural atmosphere.
10. Dwarf Alberta Spruce
Dwarf Alberta Spruce grows slowly, adding just 2 to 4 inches annually. Despite its slow growth, it’s a popular choice for small spaces and decorative accents. Its dense, bright green needles and conical shape give it a polished, timeless look. This evergreen is low-maintenance and thrives in sunny spots. It’s perfect for containers, front yards, or as a focal point in gardens. Its elegant appearance rewards patience.
11. Forsythia
Forsythia proliferates, adding 2 to 4 feet per year. Known for its bright yellow flowers, it’s one of the first shrubs to bloom in early spring. It thrives in full sun and is adaptable to most soil types. Forsythia is perfect for creating lively hedges or adding pops of color as a standalone shrub. Its cheerful blossoms make it a symbol of spring and renewal. With minimal care, it brightens up any garden.
12. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
Butterfly Bush grows 2 to 3 feet annually and attracts butterflies with its fragrant, vibrant blooms. Available in shades like purple, pink, and white, it adds beauty to gardens. This shrub thrives in sunny locations and tolerates drought, making it a low-maintenance plant. Butterfly Bush is perfect for pollinator gardens or as a colorful privacy barrier. Its fast growth and charm make it a garden favorite.
13. Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtle grows 2 to 3 feet annually, offering stunning summer blooms in pink, purple, or white. It’s heat- and drought-tolerant, making it ideal for warm climates. Its vibrant flowers last for months, and its foliage provides brilliant fall colors. Crape Myrtle adds beauty and privacy to landscapes, thriving with minimal care. It’s a versatile and eye-catching addition to any yard.
14. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Rose of Sharon grows 2 to 3 feet annually, producing large, tropical-like blooms. Its flowers, available in various colors, add elegance to sunny gardens. This shrub requires minimal maintenance and adapts well to different soil types. It’s perfect for creating colorful privacy hedges or as a focal point. Rose of Sharon brings a tropical touch to any outdoor space.
15. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Hydrangeas grow at a moderate to fast rate, depending on the variety. Their large, colorful flower clusters make them stand out in gardens. They thrive in partial shade and need consistent watering for optimal growth.
Hydrangeas add lushness and elegance to landscapes, and their blooms also make lovely cut flowers. They are perfect for borders, mixed beds, or standalone accents, and their timeless beauty enhances any outdoor setting.
16. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
Lilacs grow 1-2 feet annually and boast fragrant purple or white blooms. These springtime flowers brighten gardens and attract pollinators. They thrive in sunny spots and well-drained soil. Lilacs are easy to care for and need occasional pruning. Their enchanting fragrance makes them a garden favorite.
17. Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)
Photinia grows 2-3 feet yearly, with vibrant red new growth. This shrub’s colorful foliage adds contrast to hedges and screens. It thrives in full sun and is adaptable to most soil types. Regular trimming promotes dense growth. Photinia is ideal for creating lively privacy barriers.
18. Pittosporum
Pittosporum grows 1-3 feet yearly and showcases variegated, eye-catching leaves. This evergreen shrub thrives in sunny or partially shaded spots. Its compact growth makes it perfect for hedges or as an accent. Pittosporum requires minimal care and adapts well to pruning. It brings elegance to any garden.
19. Viburnum
Viburnum grows 1-2 feet annually, offering fragrant flowers and evergreen varieties. It’s a versatile shrub, perfect for hedges or standalone accents. Viburnum thrives in a wide range of climates and soil types. Its blooms attract pollinators and brighten landscapes. Easy care makes it a popular choice.
20. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Mountain Laurel grows 1-2 feet annually, featuring evergreen leaves and pink or white flowers. This native shrub thrives in shaded areas and acidic soils. Its blooms add beauty to woodland gardens. Mountain Laurel requires little maintenance and is deer-resistant.
21. Azalea (Rhododendron)
Azaleas grow 1-2 feet annually, lighting up gardens with bright spring flowers. These shrubs thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil. Azaleas are perfect for borders or mixed beds. Their colorful blooms create stunning focal points. They’re low-maintenance and long-lasting.
22. Bamboo (Clumping varieties)
Clumping bamboo grows 3-5 feet yearly, forming dense, tall screens. It’s a fast-growing solution for privacy. Bamboo thrives in well-drained soil and sunny spots. It’s low-maintenance and adds a tropical feel. Use it for quick, green coverage.
23. Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Red Twig Dogwood grows 1-2 feet annually and is known for its striking red stems in winter. This shrub adds year-round interest and thrives in moist soils. It’s perfect for borders, screens, or areas with moisture, and its vibrant color enhances winter gardens.
24. Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo)
Nandina grows moderately, showcasing red foliage and bright berries. This evergreen shrub adds texture and color to gardens. It thrives in both sunny and shaded spots and adapts to most soil types. Nandina is a low-maintenance, drought-resistant plant, perfect for year-round beauty.
25. Spirea
Spirea grows moderately to fast, producing delicate flowers in spring and summer. This shrub thrives in sunny locations and tolerates a wide range of soils. It’s perfect for borders, hedges, or mixed beds. Spirea adds vibrant color and soft texture to gardens.
26. Mock Orange (Philadelphus)
Mock Orange grows 2-3 feet annually and features fragrant, white, citrus-scented flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. This low-maintenance shrub is ideal for borders or as a standalone accent. Its sweet scent makes it a garden highlight.
27. Elderberry (Sambucus)
Elderberry grows 2-3 feet yearly, with feathery leaves and edible berries. It thrives in moist soils and sunny spots. Elderberries attract wildlife and are great for jams or wines. This versatile shrub adds charm and utility to gardens.
28. Holly (Ilex)
Holly grows moderately, showcasing glossy leaves and bright red berries. It’s perfect for creating hedges or adding winter interest. Holly thrives in both sunny and shaded areas and is relatively easy to maintain. Its festive berries brighten gardens and attract birds.
29. Fothergilla
Fothergilla grows moderately and has fragrant, bottlebrush-shaped white flowers. This shrub thrives in acidic soils and sunny to shaded areas. Its colorful fall foliage adds seasonal appeal. Fothergilla is a low-maintenance option for borders or mixed beds.
30. Firethorn (Pyracantha)
Firethorn grows 2-3 feet annually, boasting bright orange berries and thorny stems. This evergreen shrub creates secure hedges and adds vibrant color. It thrives in sunny spots and is drought-resistant. Firethorn attracts birds and deters intruders.
31. Weigela
Weigela grows 1-2 feet annually and produces funnel-shaped, colorful flowers. This shrub thrives in sunny locations and tolerates a wide range of soils. Its blooms attract pollinators and brighten gardens. Weigela is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for borders or accents.
32. Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster grows moderately, with arching branches and red berries. This hardy shrub thrives in sunny areas and well-drained soil. It’s perfect for ground cover, hedges, or borders. Cotoneaster adds texture and seasonal color to gardens.
33. Juniper
Juniper grows 1-2 feet yearly and offers hardy, drought-tolerant foliage. This evergreen shrub thrives in poor soils and sunny spots. It’s ideal for hedges, screens, or ground cover. Juniper requires minimal care and provides year-round greenery.
34. Barberry (Berberis)
Barberry grows moderately to fast, featuring thorny stems and colorful leaves. This shrub is perfect for hedges or accents, adding texture and security. It thrives in sunny locations and tolerates poor soil conditions. Barberry is easy to maintain and has a long lifespan.
35. Smoke Bush (Cotinus)
Smoke Bushes grow 1-2 feet annually, with purple foliage and wispy flowers. They thrive in sunny areas and well-drained soil. This shrub adds drama and height to gardens, serving as a striking focal point in landscapes.
36. Carolina Allspice (Calycanthus)
Carolina Allspice grows 1-2 feet annually and produces fragrant, spice-scented flowers. It thrives in sunny to partially shaded areas. This shrub adds a unique texture and scent to gardens. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a reliable choice.